• A copy of the story "Finding Balance"
• A chime, rain stick or other calming sound instrument
• Optional: Fidget object basket (Session 2, Leader Resource 2)

• Read the story a few times.
• Consider telling the story rather than reading it. Practice telling it aloud.
• Think about how you might use items from the story basket as props.

The story "Finding Balance" presents examples of both an individual child and a Unitarian Universalist congregation choosing to embody justice, equity, and compassion in human relationships by sharing their material gifts. The idea of equity is expressed by the concept of balance.

Before you begin, look around the room and make eye contact with each person. Read or tell the story.

Sound the instrument to indicate that the story is over. Then, guide the children in a brief discussion using these questions:

• What present were you happiest to get?
• What present were you happiest to give?
• Do you think that most kids you know have more stuff than they need, less than they need, or just about the right amount of stuff?
• How about you? Do you have more stuff than you need, less, or just about the right amount?
• If you have more than you need, why do you think that is? How do you decide what stuff you need, and what you don't really need?